Lifelong Learning at Wofford College: A Vibrant Community of Lifelong Learners

Wofford College's Lifelong Learning (LLL) program offers a rich tapestry of educational opportunities for adults, fostering intellectual curiosity, social connection, and personal growth. Open to all adults with a focus on the 50-plus population, LLL provides a diverse array of courses and activities designed to engage minds, spark passions, and build community.

A Curriculum Spanning Arts to Yoga

LLL offers about two dozen eight-week courses and other single-session activities each semester. The course offerings literally run from A (art) to Y (yoga) and span interests that include hiking, international politics, knitting, meditation, calligraphy and history. The curriculum is designed to cater to a wide range of interests and learning styles. The classes go from fanciful to kind of serious, offering such a range and variety that it might be hard to pick.

Sample Courses

Old Testament Theology: Explore the development of Old Testament theology from the time of Abraham to the contributions of the Pharisees.
iPhone Usage: Learn how to use iPhones more effectively in this interactive class. Students must have an iPhone 6 or later with iOS 13 and updates installed.
Women, Environment, and Technology in Recent Fiction: Study selected recent fiction about women (and men) and their attitudes toward the environment and technology.
"Tin Can" Sailors of WWII: Explore the important role these ships played during the war.
Current Issues in World Affairs: Eager for in-depth discussion of current issues in world affairs? This class includes topics such as terrorism, conflicts in the Middle East, North Korea, Russia and more.
The French Revolution: Students in this class will look at foundational documents and cultural manifestations in art and literature that led France to the explosion of July 14, 1789.
Death and Dying: A Global Perspective: This five-week series will look at death and dying from a global perspective.
Gentle Movement for Posture, Balance, and Strength: This interactive, gentle movement course is designed to improve posture and balance, build muscles and increase bone and core strength through exercises that are possible and painless.
Boys from NYC: Kern to Gershwin: This course will be a musical exploration of a few “boys from NYC” who became powerful figures in music throughout the world.
Opera History: Explore the development of opera from its roots in the Renaissance to the early 20th century.
The RSA Algorithm: Participants in this course will learn how RSA works and see it in action.
Beginning Bridge: This course is designed for those who have never played bridge or have not played in a long time.
Union and Confederate Generals in the American Civil War: Take a look into the beliefs and actions of Union and Confederate generals in the American Civil War.
Using Your iPad: Enjoy guided help in learning to use the iPad more effectively.
Europe, 1850-1914: Explore European history at what was a critical time in defining the next century.
African Americans in Film: Study the image and emergence of African Americans after the stereotypical caricatures of African Americans in film.
Food in Literature: The ritual of sharing food is fascinating. Seemingly minor details can reveal a lot to the trained eye.
Courageous Women in the Bible: This six-week class will explore how various women in the Bible impacted not only their world but world history as well.
International Film: Watch and discuss groundbreaking international films with emphasis on time and place.
Spring Gardening: Celebrate the arrival of spring with this gardening class.
The History, Biology, and Politics of Vaccination: Participants in this class will study the history of vaccination from the 14th century to modern times, the biology that makes vaccination possible and the political aspects of vaccination.
Photography: Whether you like to photograph family members, people, scenery, landscapes or any other subject matter, you can learn how to take better, more interesting and more creative pictures with whatever camera you own.
Discovery of Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon: Share the discovery of Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon through examinations of original 19th century documents, maps, art and photographs.
Cosmic Evolution: Explore a perspective that emphasizes the universe as not just a place but a process.
Drawing Without Lines: Explore a medium of choice, including graphite, colored pencil or white charcoal, while learning to draw without lines and draw in reverse.

More Than Just Classes

Beyond the classroom, LLL fosters a sense of community through special events, social gatherings, travel opportunities, and clubs.

Book Club: Led by founder Dr.
Film Club: Led by founder Dr.
Wine Club: Led by Lynda and Randy Hurteau, along with Dr. Ana María and Dr.
One-Day Events and Trips: Including events such as “Edgefield, Peaches, Politics and Pottery.”
Group Trips: Starting in the spring of 2023, Lifelong Learning plans to offer group trips to destinations around the country.
Roundtable Discussions and Lectures: Join discussion leader Jim Badger as he invites educators, leaders, innovators and speakers this spring for roundtable discussions and lectures.
Music Performances: Treefalls Music will present Johnny Gandelsman for a solo performance.
Gallery Talks: Gallery Talk: Peter L. Schmunk will accompany a retrospective exhibition of his photographic work over the past decade.

A "No Tests, No Homework, Just Fun" Philosophy

A "no tests, no homework, just fun" philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of the program. This relaxed and engaging atmosphere encourages active participation and fosters a love of learning. Each class is taught by local or regional experts, providing the same high standard of instruction expected in a regular Wofford course. The classes consist of a discussion session rather than the traditional lecture. People are just incredibly energized and curious and bring a lot to the table. So many are lifetime educators, college professors, kindergarten teachers.

Benefits of Lifelong Learning

LLL provides numerous benefits to its participants, including:

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Intellectual Stimulation: Engaging in new subjects and discussions keeps minds sharp and active.
Social Connection: The program provides opportunities to meet new people, build friendships, and combat social isolation.
Personal Growth: LLL empowers individuals to explore their passions, develop new skills, and enhance their overall well-being.
Community Engagement: LLL creates an awareness of Wofford College. People who were already here may or may not have had any loyalty to Wofford, but we now have a fair-sized LLL alumni population.
A Sense of Purpose: The senior community now is an active, healthier community with people who may or may not be retired but are looking for something to do with time they have available.
A Chance to Share Expertise: This is a chance to give talks to people who are very interested and not just here to get a degree.
Service to the Older Community: It’s a service to the older community that is a very big necessity. You have to keep the mind in gear.
Comfort in Asking Questions: These people are a little more at ease asking questions. College students are different because you’re grading them.

Program Details

Membership: A yearly membership is \$60 per person; the membership year runs from Aug 1-June 30. Annual memberships enable members to register earlier each term for classes and events, receive a \$10 discount on all classes along with a handful of other great benefits. Friends of Lifelong Learning enjoy all of our offerings without the added perks of an annual member.
Course Fees: Members then select the course or courses they wish to take at \$40 per course.
Location: Most of the Lifelong Learning Program classes and offices are located at Central United Methodist Church of Spartanburg due to a lack of available space on Wofford’s campus. Classes are held in various locations, noted in the schedule; those with the abbreviation CUMC are held at Central United Methodist Church, 233 N. Church St., Spartanburg, S.C.

Impact and Community

LLL has a significant impact on both its participants and the wider Spartanburg community.

Combating Loneliness: Ultimately, the program aims to prevent seniors from feeling isolated and alone.
Intergenerational Connections: The program fosters connections between older adults and the Wofford College community.
A Welcoming Environment: The program provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants.

Overcoming Challenges

The Lifelong Learning Program has faced challenges, including:

Location Disconnect: The location differences have contributed to a lack of awareness among students about the program, and a feeling of disconnect among the lifelong learners.
Intergenerational Differences: The location, intergenerational differences and pandemic have ultimately all contributed to the sense of disconnect between the lifelong learners and the general Wofford community.
The COVID-19 Pandemic: The program has adapted to the moment and members are banding together during these challenging times.

A Legacy of Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Learning at Wofford began in 2015 as an initiative started by Charlie Gray to expand the college’s commitment to fostering lifelong learning to the greater Spartanburg community.

How to Get Involved

To join Lifelong Learning at Wofford and to register for classes, go to wofford.edu/lifelonglearning. Visit wofford.edu/advancement/lifelonglearning to become an annual member.

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